Truck Loans Australia :: Articles

Car Leasing

What is car leasing and how does it work?

Car Leasing

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

Leasing is an often misunderstood car financing option so, in response to subscriber feedback, we've included this article to help give you a better understanding of what it is and how it works.

What's leasing all about?

Leasing is really just another form of borrowing to finance a car. 

But unlike loan finance - where you take ownership of the car and offer it or something else as security to the lender – lease finance sees a leasing company take ownership and give you the use of the car under contract for a specified period.

Lease contracts

Upon signing your lease contract you agree to make regular monthly lease payments, keep appropriate insurance, pay any vehicle taxes or fees, and take good care of the vehicle.

Car Loans - Quick & Easy
Image for Car Loans - Quick & EasyIf you are in the market for a new or used car, then we'd like to help you arrange the money. Our car loan & leasing service is backed by a national panel of car loan specialists who will establish your eligibility, find lender/s offering the best deals for your situation - and help you through the approval and settlement process. No charge to you - and no obligation to proceed with any recommendations offered.

Further, you agree that you'll keep the car for a specified period - typically two to five years - and you're expected to stick it out to the end of the lease contract.

At the end of the lease period, there is often an option to purchase your vehicle at a specified price. 

Or you may be able to use the car as a trade-in on a new car.

Otherwise, the leasing company will expect the vehicle to be returned with no more than normal wear and tear. 

You may have to pay them for any damage or extra mileage over and above a contract-specified limit.

Lease or buy?

Leasing may involve lower monthly payments than a car loan but this is often because you are only paying off a portion of the vehicle’s value, leaving a 'residual' amount at end of the lease period. 

And at lease end, you will not own the car.

Leasing is often promoted as a cheaper way to finance a car because of the tax advantages it can bring for the self-employed or those who take out a novated lease through their employer. 

This is not necessarily the case and really depends on how much mileage will be clocked up overall, what proportion is for work purposes, and what tax rate you are on.

Published: Sunday, 1st Aug 2021
Author: Paige Estritori

Rate this article

0 Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.


Truck Loans Articles

The Ins and Outs of Commercial Truck Loans: A Buyer's Guide in Australia
The Ins and Outs of Commercial Truck Loans: A Buyer's Guide in Australia
Commercial trucks serve as the lifeblood of the Australian economy, providing vital links between industries and markets across the vast landscapes. The importance of these heavy-duty vehicles cannot be overstated, as they are pivotal in ensuring the smooth operation of both urban and rural businesses alike. Engaging in the commercial truck market is a significant investment, and understanding the ins and outs of financing such a purchase is crucial for business success. - read more
Essential Checklist for Commercial Vehicle Loan Approval
Essential Checklist for Commercial Vehicle Loan Approval
In the journey to secure a commercial vehicle loan, preparation is key. Just as a vehicle needs to be in perfect condition to hit the road, your loan application requires meticulous attention to detail to ensure a green light from lenders. This article embarks on the essential journey of understanding the critical checkpoints before applying for a commercial vehicle loan. We navigate through the path of prerequisites that pave the way for a seamless approval process. - read more
Why a Pre-Approval Can Give You an Advantage When Buying a Truck
Why a Pre-Approval Can Give You an Advantage When Buying a Truck
When purchasing a truck, whether for personal use or business, navigating the financial landscape can be daunting. This is where pre-approval comes into play. But what exactly does pre-approval mean in the context of buying a truck? - read more
How to Get a Truck Loan with Less-Than-Perfect Credit
How to Get a Truck Loan with Less-Than-Perfect Credit
Securing finance for any significant purchase can be a challenge, especially when it comes to acquiring a truck for business purposes. Coupled with a less-than-perfect credit score, this task can seem daunting for many Australians. The ripple effects of financial constraints can impede business operations, affecting the lifeline of commercial ventures that rely on transportation. - read more
How to maintain your truck to extend its lifespan in Australian conditions
How to maintain your truck to extend its lifespan in Australian conditions
Maintaining your truck is essential if you want to prolong its lifespan and save money down the road. Australian conditions can put a lot of strain on your vehicle, and neglecting its maintenance can lead to costly breakdowns and repairs. - read more

Finance News

Why the New Financial Year Is a Smart Time to Review Your Home Loan
Why the New Financial Year Is a Smart Time to Review Your Home Loan
21 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori
The start of a new financial year is a useful prompt for Australian mortgage holders to look past the set-and-forget approach. With the cash rate sitting at elevated levels and household budgets still under pressure, the question is not simply whether your home loan is expensive. It is whether the structure still suits the way you live, save and repay debt. - read more
Why Jetski Buyers Should Budget for Insurance Before Borrowing
Why Jetski Buyers Should Budget for Insurance Before Borrowing
18 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori
ASIC’s Moneysmart updated its insurance guidance on 16 July 2026, and while the information is broad, it carries a practical message for anyone preparing to finance a jetski: the loan repayment is only one part of the ownership cost. Insurance can affect your monthly budget, your lender’s requirements and your ability to recover financially if the watercraft is damaged, stolen or involved in an accident. - read more
Why Cash Flow Discipline Matters as SME Insolvency Warnings Rise
Why Cash Flow Discipline Matters as SME Insolvency Warnings Rise
18 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori
Australian small businesses are being urged to treat cash flow management as a board-level priority as restructuring specialists warn insolvency pressures may rise through FY26–27. The message is not simply that conditions are difficult. It is that delayed decisions can quickly narrow the choices available to directors, particularly where tax debts, weaker margins and high borrowing costs are already in play. - read more
Why Caravan Buyers Need to Check Finance Websites Carefully
Why Caravan Buyers Need to Check Finance Websites Carefully
18 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori
Fresh online safety guidance from Moneysmart is a timely reminder for Australians shopping for caravans, camper trailers and motorhomes to slow down before sharing personal or financial details online. The warning is especially relevant for buyers comparing finance, responding to online listings, or clicking through from social media advertisements that appear to promote low rates, fast approvals or unusually cheap stock. - read more
Credit Use for Essentials Signals Fresh Pressure on Mortgage Holders
Credit Use for Essentials Signals Fresh Pressure on Mortgage Holders
18 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori
Fresh cost-of-living data is a timely reminder that mortgage stress is not always visible in arrears figures alone. New research reported by Savings.com.au shows one in three Australians used credit to cover essential expenses over the past year, while 37% used one form of credit to manage another. For households already carrying a home loan, that points to a widening gap between everyday income and unavoidable costs. - read more

Start Here

Get a free truck loan eligibility assessment and compare truck finance and leasing options without accessing your credit file!!
Loan Amount:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided obligation-free by a participating broker from our national referral partner network. We respect your Privacy.


Knowledgebase
Principal:
The original sum of money invested or lent, on which basis interest and returns are calculated.